EC to lodge FIR against Bengal Minister

Kolkata, Apr 4 (UNI) The Election Commission today directed the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal to lodge an FIR against state Transport Minister Subhash Chakraborty for his public outburst against EC officials.

'' I will file an FIR against Mr Chakraborty tomorrow at the directive of the Election Commission for his recent public outcry against EC officials, '' CEO Debasish Sen said.

The comments of Mr Chakraborty, made in election rallies, were being viewed by the EC as ''intimidating'' and ''interruption'' into the poll process, the CEO added.

Mr Chakraborty is a candidate of the ruling Left Front from Belgachhia (East) constituencey.

The senior CPI (M) Minister had recently caused a flutter by openly criticising the Commission at an election rally for a string of hard measures in the face of elections, to be held in the state in five phases from April 17 to May eight.

The EC had recently sought a written explanation from CPI (M) General Secretary Prakash Karat on the behaviour of Mr Chakraborty.

The EC's action came following a report submitted by the North 24 Parganas district authority, which said the Minister had used ''nasty words'' against the Commission.

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